RICS Level 2 Survey in DE11

Our RICS Level 2 survey - previously known as the HomeBuyer Report - follows a standardised format set by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. We inspect every accessible part of the property from the roof to the foundations, using the recognised condition rating system to categorise our findings clearly and consistently.

The report covers the external condition of the roof, chimney stacks, gutters, downpipes, walls, windows, and external doors. Internally, we assess the roof structure, ceilings, walls, floors, fireplaces, built-in fittings, and internal doors. We also check the condition of the heating system, water and drainage services (visually, without specialist testing), and note any problems with damp or timber.

At the end of the report we provide a summary of the risks we have identified, a list of the items requiring urgent attention, and guidance on the issues that should be investigated further by a specialist - for example, where we identify signs of possible subsidence or active damp that need a structural engineer or damp specialist to assess. Our surveyors also comment on the energy efficiency of the property and note any legal risks such as missing planning consents for extensions.

• Roof coverings, structure, and chimney stacks
• External walls, pointing, and render
• Windows, doors, and external joinery
• Rainwater goods (gutters, downpipes, drains)
• Internal walls, ceilings, and floors
• Roof space condition (where safely accessible)
• Damp assessment and timber condition checks
• Services (gas, electrics, plumbing - visual inspection)

Every survey we carry out in DE11 is conducted by a surveyor who holds full RICS membership - either MRICS (Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) or FRICS (Fellow). This means you can be confident that the person inspecting your property has met rigorous professional standards, holds appropriate professional indemnity insurance, and operates under the RICS code of conduct.

Our network includes surveyors who cover Swadlincote, Woodville, Newhall, Church Gresley, Midway, and the wider South Derbyshire postcode area. They are familiar with the local housing stock - from the terraced mining cottages of Swadlincote's Victorian streets through to the new build family homes at Midway on Stirling Road. This local knowledge allows our team to contextualise findings accurately and comment on issues that are specific to the property types found in DE11.

Once your survey is complete, you can speak directly with your surveyor if you have questions about the findings. We believe that a good survey does not just identify problems - it explains them in plain language so you can make an informed decision about your purchase. Our surveyors are available to discuss their reports and advise on whether the issues found should affect your offer or require specialist follow-up.

On the day of the survey, our surveyor will typically spend two to four hours at the property, depending on its size and condition. They work methodically through each part of the building, using damp meters, binoculars for high-level inspection of roof coverings, and a torch for inspecting roof spaces, underfloor voids, and areas where lighting is limited.

In DE11, properties constructed during the mining era often have solid stone or early brick construction without modern damp-proof courses. Our surveyors pay particular attention to the lower sections of walls and ground floor areas for signs of rising or penetrating damp. They also check chimney stacks and flashings, which in older properties are a common source of water ingress, and assess roof coverings for cracked or slipped tiles, failed ridging, and blocked or leaking gutters.

After the inspection, our surveyor prepares the written report using the RICS standard format. We aim to deliver your completed survey report within five working days of the inspection. The report is produced in plain English with supporting photographs, and a clear summary section highlights the most significant findings and recommended next steps so you can quickly understand where action is required.